Joe Gaiter: What does basketball mean to you?
Jamesio Rhine: Basketball means the world to me. I fell in love with the game at an early age. I was influenced by Kobe Bryant and the 2005 Pistons team to actually pick up a basketball and start a career out of it.
Joe Gaiter: Where did you grow up and how was your childhood?
Jamesio Rhine: I grew up in Fairdale (Zuzu) located in Centreville, Alabama. My childhood was one I will never forget about. It was a lot of fun. I still talk about those days whenever I go back to visit my family. From playing all the popular childhood games, to going to the candy lady, playing video games, and staying outside playing from sunup to sun down. I have done it all.
Joe Gaiter: What are your fondest memories about Bibb County?
Jamesio Rhine: My fondest memories from Bibb County High School have to be when me and my high school basketball team made it to the Final Four tournament. It was an experience that I will never forget, also my senior year when I had a great senior year of school and basketball. After being slept on my previous 3 years, I finally had got the respect that I had deserved.
My last fondest memory is when I was able to change a little girl’s life in high school. She was human just like all of us but she was different in ways. People made fun of her and I knew I had to make a difference for her. One day she was sitting by herself at lunch and happened to see her and I went and sat with her and had lunch. I learned a lot from her. We are still good friends today.
Joe Gaiter: How was your recruitment experience?
Jamesio Rhine: My recruitment experience wasn’t what I expected. With the talent I had been blessed with from God, I just knew I was going mid major D1 or D2. I ended up going to Southern Union State Community College straight out of high school. Till this day I am glad that I took that route for my first college experience. Met some brothers that I will never forget and also coaches and teachers that I will never forget.
Joe Gaiter: Tell us about your time at Hiwassee College?
Jamesio Rhine: My time at Hiwassee was unforgettable and sadly short. I was able to help my team make it to the conference championship game where we lost to Bluefield College at the buzzer. Sadly, Hiwassee closed and I was forced to transfer for my senior year.
Joe Gaiter: Why did you transfer to Tennessee Wesleyan University?
Jamesio Rhine: I transferred to Tennessee Wesleyan University for my senior year with my two brothers I played with at Hiwassee College, Bryant Bernard and Lorenzo Gatling.
Joe Gaiter: What was some of your career stats?
Jamesio Rhine: My career stats aren’t the best, but everyone I have come into contact with knows what kind of player I am and what I am capable of doing on the court. At Hiwassee College, I averaged 9.2 ppl, 5 rbpg, & 1.3 blks while shooting 42% and 75.2 Ft%. At Tennessee Wesleyan University, I averaged 7.6 ppg, 5 rbpg & 1.1 blks while shooting 44% & 72% from the Ft.
Joe Gaiter: What makes you so dominate in the Center/Forward position.
Jamesio Rhine: What makes me so dominant at the Center/Power Forward is my size and my ability to be able to shoot the ball and put the ball on the floor and use my athleticism. Also my ability to rebound and block shots.
Joe Gaiter: What motivates you?
Jamesio Rhine: What motivates me is my little brother, who has Down syndrome. I’ve written papers about him in my classes and everything. He is a blessing to me. He motivates me to keep going hard and not give up. He is a big reason why I love being around kids with disabilities. I spent my days taking care of my little brother growing up even though he can’t walk or talk every time he sees me he smiles and laughs. I know that he knows exactly who I am.
Joe Gaiter: If you could change anything about your college experience, what would it be?
Jamesio Rhine: If I could change anything about my college experience I wouldn’t make a change. My college experience was one I will never forget, met great people and did great things at every school I attended.
Joe Gaiter: Who is your agent and why did you choose them?
Jamesio Rhine: My agent is Scott Paulk/Crossover Sports Agency. I chose him because he believed in me. He taught me a lot about the overseas process. He is really a good person.
Joe Gaiter: What is your major and how do you plan on using it?
Jamesio Rhine: My major is Physical Education. I plan on becoming a coach once I am fully done with school & basketball.
Joe Gaiter: Where are you training during the offseason?
Jamesio Rhine: I am currently training at AIM Fit gym located in Athens, Tennessee. I trained a month ago for like 2 or 3 days at B Maze Elite gym located in Knoxville, Tennessee with Bobby Maze former University of Tennessee great. Just the other day I trained with Quincy Hinton from Centerpoint High School located in Birmingham, Alabama.
Joe Gaiter: What is some advice you have for the upcoming seniors?
Jamesio Rhine: The advice I have for upcoming Seniors is to have fun and go out with a bang because the season flew by for me. Everyday, I sit and wish I could redo my senior season.
Joe Gaiter: What is next for your basketball career?
Jamesio Rhine: I plan on going overseas and continuing my basketball career. I’m just keeping God first, having faith & staying patient and working hard. I know my time is coming.
Joe Gaiter: How important is giving back to your community?
Jamesio Rhine: Giving is important because it makes you feel happy when you are able to make someone else’s day. When you give, you receive blessings.
Joe Gaiter: What is life like for you off the court?
Jamesio Rhine: Life off the basketball court is a blessing. I am very close to receiving my 4-year degree. I have already received my 2-year degree. Waking up every morning by the grace of God, playing NBA 2k or Call of Duty for the most part of my day and just going to run hills or get some extra work outside. At home, I spend my days with my little brothers making sure they are straight and going to church on Sundays with my grandmother and cousin.
Joe Gaiter: Who are some other athletes we should keep on our radar?
Jamesio Rhine: Ryan Calhoun (Miles College), Bryant Bernard, Lorenzo Gatling, Tyrone Patterson, Eli Mayberry, Billy Balogun, Djimon Wilson and the rest of my brothers on the Tennessee Wesleyan basketball team.
